Concrete form clip

ABSTRACT

A concrete form spacer  100  to retain concrete forms in spaced relationship to each other includes an elongate flat web  112  with end flanges  114  projecting upwardly from the ends of the elongate flat web  112.  Tabs  116  project laterally from the elongate flat web  112  at a location spaced inwardly along the elongate flat web  112  from the end flanges  114.  Each corresponding pair of tabs  116  and end flanges  114  form an upwardly open pocket  118  configured to closely receive a concrete form panel P therebetween. Each end flange  114  includes a distal flange tip portion  124  that is flared away from form pocket  118  and is configured to guide concrete form panel P down into pocket  118.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/889,119, filed Oct. 10, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Concrete structures, such as foundations, walls, beams, and columns, are formed using the aid of concrete form assemblies, often composed of plywood panels. The forms serve to mold the poured, liquid concrete to a shape during the curing stage. Many form assemblies utilize spacers in order to secure the form panels. Spacers generally hold a corresponding pair of form panels apart at a pre-determined distance. The number and location of spacers allow the concrete to be poured in the form assembly without extensive bowing of the form panels, which ensures the desired shape of the finished concrete structure is retained and excessive concrete material is not used. When the curing stage is complete, the form assembly must be dismantled, the process of which often leads to damage of the concrete form panels, requiring replacement, rather than reuse in a subsequent form assembly. The present invention provides concrete form spacers which conveniently bend with a hammer strike, thereby freeing the concrete form panels for non-destructive removal, allowing the form panels to be reused in a subsequent form assembly.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a spacer to retain concrete forms in spaced relationship to each other is provided. The spacer generally includes an elongate web having an intermediate hole configured to accept the insertion of a fastener to couple the spacer to a mounting surface, a first flange including a tip portion, the first flange projecting laterally from a first end of the web, a first tab projecting laterally from an intermediate location along the web, wherein the web, the first flange, and the first tab together form a first pocket configured to closely receive a concrete form, and wherein the tip portion of the first flange is configured to flare away from the first pocket.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a molded spacer to retain concrete forms in a spaced relationship to each other is provided. The molded spacer generally includes an elongate strap portion including an upper surface, a first protrusion near a first end of the strap portion projecting laterally from the upper surface, the first protrusion including a first wall and a first ramp surface, a second protrusion projecting laterally from the upper surface at an intermediate location along the strap portion, the second protrusion including a second wall and a second ramp surface, wherein the strap portion, the first wall, and the second wall together form a first pocket configured to closely receive a concrete form, and wherein the first ramp surface and the second ramp surface are sloped such that the concrete form is centered in the first pocket during insertion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the flared portion of the first flange may be arcuate.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the flared portion of the first flange may be disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the first flange.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the first tab may be disposed at an angle in the range of about 90 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the web in a direction away from the first pocket.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the first tab comprises a tip portion that may be configured to flare away from the first pocket.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the tip portion of the first tab may be arcuate.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the tip portion of the first tab may be disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the first tab.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the spacer may further include a second flange including a tip portion, the second flange projecting laterally from a second end of the web, a second tab including a tip portion, the second tab projecting laterally from an intermediate location along the web between the first tab and the second flange, and wherein the web, the second flange, and the second tab together form a second pocket configured to closely receive the concrete form, wherein the tip portion of the second flange and the tip portion of the second tab are configured to flare away from the second pocket.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the web may further include a slot configured to create a predisposed bend location, and a through hole between the slot and a second end of the web configured to accept the insertion of a fastener to couple the spacing bracket to the concrete form.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the material of the spacer may be selected from the group consisting of: metallic, polymeric, and composite.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the first ramp surface may be arcuate.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the first ramp surface may be disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the first wall in a direction away from the first pocket.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the second ramp surface may be arcuate.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the second ramp surface may be disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the second wall in a direction away from the first pocket.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the molded spacer may further include a third protrusion near the second end of the strap portion projecting laterally from the upper surface, the third protrusion including a third wall and a third ramp surface, a fourth protrusion projecting laterally from the upper surface at an intermediate location along the strap portion between the second protrusion and the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion including a fourth wall and a fourth ramp surface, wherein the strap portion, the third wall, and the fourth wall together form a second pocket configured to closely receive the concrete form, and wherein the third ramp surface and the fourth ramp surface are sloped such that the concrete form is centered in the second pocket during insertion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the strap portion may include a through hole sized to accept the insertion of a fastener configured to couple the molded concrete form spacer to a mounting surface.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the first protrusion may include a through hole sized to accept the insertion of a fastener configured to couple the concrete form to the molded concrete form spacer.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the third protrusion may include a through hole sized to accept the insertion of the fastener configured to couple the concrete form to the molded concrete form spacer.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the molded concrete form spacer may be formed from a polymeric material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a concrete form spacer formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a concrete form spacer formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 4, showing the concrete form spacer in an installed form assembly configuration;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a concrete form spacer formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a concrete form spacer formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the concrete form spacer of FIG. 10, showing the concrete form spacer in an installed form assembly configuration;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a molded concrete form spacer formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the molded concrete form spacer of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the molded concrete form spacer of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a molded concrete form spacer formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing rounded ramp surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” left hand,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references and other similar references in the present application are only to assist in helping describe and understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to concrete form spacers with enhanced concrete form insertion and removal features. In general, examples of the concrete form spacers described herein are capable of attaching to a mounting surface and retain concrete forms in a spaced relationship to each other to allow the concrete structure to be poured and cured in place. The embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES have been designed for use with concrete form assemblies. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be used in other types of poured form applications which are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a concrete form spacer 100 of the present disclosure is illustrated as composed of an elongate flat web 112 with end flanges 114 projecting upwardly from the ends of the elongate flat web 112. Tabs 116 project laterally from the elongate flat web 112 at a location spaced inwardly along the elongate flat web 112 from the end flanges 114. Each corresponding pair of tabs 116 and end flanges 114 form an upwardly open pocket 118 configured to closely receive a concrete form panel P (see e.g., FIG. 7) therebetween. In this regard, the width of each pocket 118 is typically slightly larger than the width of the concrete form panel P.

Each tab 116 may be formed by piercing the elongate flat web 112 and then bending the pierced portion of the elongate flat web 112 upwardly so that the tab 116 is projecting laterally from the elongate flat web 112, generally in the direction of the corresponding end flange 114. In this regard, the upper end of tab 116 may be rounded so as not to present a sharp point. In other embodiments, the tab portion can be created by numerous other means, including welding or otherwise attaching tab 116 to elongate flat web 112.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1, tabs 116 are projected at a slight angle away from the pockets 118 in order to guide the concrete form panel P down into pockets 118. In this regard, the tab projection angle 134 is in the range of about 90 degrees to 70 degrees from the elongate flat web 112 in the angle location depicted in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, tabs 116 may be curved or rounded in a manner configured to guide the concrete form panel P into pocket 118.

The end flanges 114 include form securing through holes 120 which allow a form anchoring fastener 158 (see e.g., FIG. 7) to optionally secure the concrete form panel P in pocket 118. Elongate flat web 112 also includes spacer securing through holes 122 which allow the insertion of an anchoring fastener 160 (see e.g., FIG. 7) configured to attach the concrete form spacer 100 to a mounting surface 152 where the concrete structure will be formed, (e.g., using a concrete nail to attach the spacer to a concrete foundation footing).

As shown most clearly in FIG. 1, the end flange 114 includes a distal flange tip portion 124 that is flared away from form pocket 118 and is configured to guide concrete form panel P down into pocket 118. In the illustrated embodiment, flange tip portion 124 is generally planar and disposed at an angle 126 of about 45 degrees relative to the end flange 114. However, in other embodiments, flange tip portion 124 may be disposed at an angle 126 in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the end flange 114. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, flange tip portion 124 may be rounded or curved away from the pocket 118 so as to present a convex shape toward the concrete form panel P when in place within pocket 118.

Each flange tip portion 124 may be formed by bending the end flanges 114 during formation of the concrete spacer 100. Alternatively, flange tip portion 124 may be initially composed of a separate member welded or otherwise attached to the end flange 114.

The flange tip portions 124 provide an advantage over current concrete form spacers of the art. In use, form spacers are configured to hold concrete form panels in a spaced relationship from each other while the concrete in the form assembly cures. Once curing has completed, the form panels are removed from the form spacers. Typically, this requires that the end flanges of the form spacers are bent away from the form panel so they are no longer bearing against the form panels P and are no longer perpendicular to the elongate web of the form spacer. Other concrete form spacers of the art require forcing the claw portion of a hammer, or a pry bar, between the end flange and the form panel to force the end flange away from the form panel. This often causes damage to the form panel, which is typically composed of plywood.

In contrast, the concrete form spacer 100 of the present disclosure, by utilizing end flanges 114, each with flared flange tip portion 124, makes it possible to simply use a hammer or similar device to strike the protruding flange tip portion 124, causing the end flange 114 to bend away from the concrete form panel P. As a result, damage to the concrete form panel P is avoided or at least reduced. Moreover, with the end flange 114 bent away, the pocket 118 becomes wider than the concrete form panel P, encouraging or facilitating removal of the form panel P from the cured concrete wall and the concrete form spacer 100.

Next, referring to FIGS. 4-6, a second concrete form spacer 130 is illustrated. As in concrete form spacer 100, concrete form spacer 130 includes an elongate flat web 112A having at one end thereof an end flange 114A projecting upwardly from one end of the elongate flat web 112A. The upper end of the end flange 114A flares outwardly at distal flange tip portion 124A. As in concrete form spacer 100, the flange tip portion 124A of end flange 114A may be generally planar, curved or rounded, as desired. In addition, a tab 116A projects laterally from the elongate flat web 112A at a location spaced inwardly along the elongate flat web 112A from the end flange 114A. As in tab 116, shown in FIGS. 1-3, tab 116A of FIGS. 4-6 can also be formed by piercing the elongate flat web 112A and then bending the pierced portion of the elongate flat web 112A upwardly so that the tab 116A is projecting laterally from the elongate flat web 112A in the direction of the corresponding end flange 114A. Also, as in concrete form spacer 100, a form securing hole 120A may be formed in end flange 114A for reception of a form anchoring fastener 158 or other type of fastener. Likewise, spacer securing holes 122A may be included in the elongate flat web 112A to allow the insertion of an anchoring fastener 160 configured to attach the concrete form spacer 130 to a mounting surface 152 where the concrete structure will be formed (see FIG. 7).

Referring specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5, the elongate flat web 112A forms an elongated flat section with a series of spaced-apart, transverse slots 36 formed in the elongate flat web 112A. In addition, notches 138 are formed on each edge of the elongate flat web 112A aligning with the locations of the transverse slots 136. The transverse slots 136 and corresponding notches 138 enable the elongated flat section of the elongate flat web 112A to be relatively easily bent at such locations. In other embodiments, notches 138 may be omitted (see e.g., FIG. 11). In use, as described more fully below, the elongated flat section of elongate flat web 112A is bent upwardly at one of the locations of the transverse slots 136 so as to form a bent end flange 154. By providing a series of transverse slots 136 and corresponding notches 138, the concrete form spacer 130 can be used to form walls of various widths.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, additional form pocket holes 140 are spaced at a distance away from each of the transverse slot 136 and notch 138 locations. Such through holes are shown to each be to the left of a corresponding set of transverse slots 136 and notches 138. As shown in FIG. 7, a form pocket nail 156 or other fastener can be engaged through the form pocket holes 140 so as to function in the manner of tab 116A, thereby to bear against the inside of the concrete form panel P, as shown. Also, additional form securing holes 120A are located on the rightmost portion of the elongated flat section of the elongate flat web 112A. Once bent end flange 154 is formed upwardly, the additional form securing holes 120A can then be used to receive a form anchoring fastener 158 for attaching the concrete form panel P to the concrete form spacer 130 as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the embodiment of concrete form spacer 130 may be especially advantageous when utilized after a concrete form panel P is initially assembled in place and thereafter it is determined that further concrete form spacers 130 are needed, especially at the bottom edges of the form assembly. Occasionally, it is determined that an insufficient number of concrete form spacers have been used once the form assembly is partially constructed. Likewise, additional concrete form spacers 130 can be used to reinforce the form assembly once the concrete has been poured if it is determined that the form assembly requires more support due to outward bowing of the form panels in certain locations. In this regard, the elongate flat web 112A of concrete form spacer 130 can be driven across the mounting surface 152 underneath the form assembly in place, since the end of the elongate flat web 112A opposite the end flange 114A is flat, and thus can pass beneath the form assembly without obstruction or disassembly of the concrete form panels P.

Once concrete form spacer 130 is in place and the lower edge of one concrete form panel P is engaged within pocket 118A, the opposite end of elongate flat web 112A can be bent upwardly to form bent end flange 154 to bear against the outside surface of the adjacent concrete form panel P. Then, a form pocket nail 156 or other type of fastener can be optionally inserted within form pocket hole 140 so as to bear against the inside surface of the concrete form panel P. Also, as discussed above, form anchoring fasteners 158 or other fasteners can be engaged through the form securing holes 120A that extend upwardly along the outside surface of the concrete form panel P in the bent end flange 154.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, concrete form spacers in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. These concrete form spacers are substantially identical in materials and operation as the previously described embodiments, except for differences regarding the shape of tab 216 (FIGS. 8 and 9), and tab 216A and removal of notches 138 (FIGS. 10-12), which will be described in greater detail below. For clarity in the ensuing descriptions, numeral references of like elements of the concrete form spacers 100 and 130 are similar, but are in the 200 and 230 series for the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8-12.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a third concrete form spacer 200 is illustrated. Concrete form spacer 200 is substantially identical to concrete form spacer 100, except that tab 216 additionally includes distal tab tip portion 232 that is flared away from the pocket 218, which is configured, in conjunction with flange tip portion 224, to guide concrete form panel P down into pocket 218. In the illustrated embodiment of concrete form spacer 200, tab tip portion 232 is disposed at an angle 228 at about 45 degrees relative to tab 216. However, in other embodiments, tab tip portion 232 may be disposed at an angle 228 in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to tab 216. In further embodiments, tab tip portion 232 may be rounded or curved away from pocket 218 so as to present a convex shape toward the concrete form panel P when in place within pocket 218.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, a fourth concrete form spacer 230 is illustrated. Concrete form spacer 230 is substantially identical to concrete form spacer 130, described above, except that tab 216A of concrete form spacer 230 additionally includes distal tab tip portion 232A that is flared away from pocket 218A. Tab tip portion 232A is configured, in conjunction with flange tip portion 224A, to guide concrete form panel P down into pocket 218A. Additionally, concrete form spacer 230 is depicted without the optional notches 138 of concrete form spacer 130 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 12, concrete spacer form 230 is shown installed with fewer spacer anchoring fasteners 260, and additional form anchoring fasteners 258, as an illustration of an alternate installation embodiment. However, in other embodiments, any number of fasteners 258 or 260 may be used as necessary to secure the components of the form assembly.

In the illustrated embodiment of concrete form spacer 230, tab tip portion 232A is disposed at an angle 228A at about 45 degrees relative to tab 216A. However, in other embodiments, tab tip portion 232A may be disposed at an angle 228A in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to tab 216A. In further embodiments, tab tip portion 232A may be rounded or curved away from pocket 218A so as to present a convex shape toward the concrete form panel P when in place within pocket 218A.

Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, a molded concrete form spacer 300 is illustrated as composed of an elongate web 312 forming a strap portion with end protrusions 314 forming flanges and projecting upwardly from the top surface of the elongate web 312. Additional intermediate protrusions 316 form tabs and project upwardly from the top surface of elongate web 312 at a location spaced inwardly along the elongate web 312 from the end protrusions 314. Each corresponding pair of intermediate protrusions 316 and end protrusions 314 create a pocket 318 configured to closely receive a concrete form panel P (see, e.g., FIG. 7) therebetween. In this regard, the width of each pocket 318 is typically slightly larger than the width of the concrete form panel P. The end protrusions 314 include reinforced form securing through holes 320 which allow a form anchoring fastener (see, e.g., form anchoring fastener 158 in FIG. 7) to optionally secure the concrete form panel P in pocket 318.

Molded concrete form spacer 300 includes reinforcements to increase the strength of the elongate web 312, end protrusions 314, and intermediate protrusions 316. The central section of the elongate web 312 includes reinforcing ridges 342 projecting upwardly from the top surface of elongate web 312 along each edge portion. The end protrusions 314 include reinforcing walls 344 projecting upwardly from the top surface of elongate web 312 along each edge portion. Likewise, intermediate protrusions 316 include reinforcing walls 346 projecting upwardly from the top surface of elongate web 312 along each edge portion.

Each end protrusion 314 includes an end pocket wall 362 and a distal end ramp surface 324. End pocket wall 362 is formed on end protrusion 314 and is generally perpendicular to the top surface of elongate web 312. However, end pocket wall 362 may be slightly drafted away from pocket 318 as end pocket wall 362 projects away from the elongate web 312. The draft angle of end pocket wall 362 may be in the range of about 0 degrees to 10 degrees from perpendicular.

End ramp surface 324 is formed at the top of end pocket wall 362 in a direction away from the pocket 318. End ramp surface 324 is illustrated in FIG. 15 as a generally planar surface disposed at an end ramp surface angle 326 of about 45 degrees. However, in other embodiments, end ramp surface 324 may be disposed at an end ramp surface angle 326 in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the end pocket wall 362. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 16, end ramp surface 424 may be rounded or curved away from pocket 418 so as to present a convex shape toward the concrete form panel P when in place within pocket 418.

Each intermediate protrusion 316 includes a distal intermediate pocket wall 364 and an intermediate ramp surface 332. Intermediate pocket wall 364 is formed on intermediate protrusion 316 and is generally perpendicular to the top surface of elongate web 312. However, intermediate pocket wall 364 may be slightly drafted away from the form pocket 318 as intermediate pocket wall 364 projects away from the elongate web 312. The draft angle of intermediate pocket wall 364 may be in the range of about 0 degrees to 10 degrees from perpendicular.

Intermediate ramp surface 332 is formed at the top of intermediate pocket wall 364 in a direction away from pocket 318. Intermediate ramp surface 332 is illustrated in FIG. 15 as a generally planar surface disposed at an intermediate ramp surface angle 328 of about 45 degrees. However, in other embodiments, intermediate ramp surface 332 may be disposed at an intermediate ramp surface angle 328 in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the intermediate pocket wall 364. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 16, intermediate ramp surface 432 may be rounded or curved away from pocket 418 so as to present a convex shape toward the concrete form panel P when in place within pocket 418.

In the molded concrete form spacer 300 of FIGS. 13-15 and the molded concrete form spacer 400 of FIG. 16, the end ramp surfaces 324 and 424 of end protrusions 314 and 414 and the intermediate ramp surfaces 332 and 432 of intermediate protrusions 316 and 416 work in conjunction to provide a centering mechanism for the concrete form panel in order to promote ease of installation. Likewise, the optional draft angles on end pocket walls 362 and 462 and intermediate pocket walls 364 and 464 provide reduced friction on the concrete form panel to promote ease of disassembly without damaging the concrete form panel.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A spacer to retain concrete forms in spaced relationship to each other, comprising: (a) an elongate web having an intermediate hole configured to accept the insertion of a fastener to couple the spacer to a mounting surface; (b) a first flange including a tip portion, the first flange projecting laterally from a first end of the web; (c) a first tab projecting laterally from an intermediate location along the web; (d) wherein the web, the first flange, and the first tab together form a first pocket configured to closely receive a concrete form; and (e) wherein the tip portion of the first flange is configured to flare away from the first pocket.
 2. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, wherein the flared portion of the first flange is arcuate.
 3. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, wherein the flared portion of the first flange is disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the first flange.
 4. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, wherein the first tab is disposed at an angle in the range of about 90 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the web in a direction away from the first pocket.
 5. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, wherein the first tab comprises a tip portion configured to flare away from the first pocket.
 6. The concrete form spacer of claim 5, wherein the tip portion of the first tab is arcuate.
 7. The concrete form spacer of claim 5, wherein the tip portion of the first tab is disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the first tab.
 8. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, further comprising: a second flange including a tip portion, the second flange projecting laterally from a second end of the web; a second tab including a tip portion, the second tab projecting laterally from an intermediate location along the web between the first tab and the second flange; and wherein the web, the second flange, and the second tab together form a second pocket configured to closely receive the concrete form, wherein the tip portion of the second flange and the tip portion of the second tab are configured to flare away from the second pocket.
 9. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, wherein the web further comprises: a slot configured to create a predisposed bend location; and a through hole between the slot and a second end of the web configured to accept the insertion of a fastener to couple the spacing bracket to the concrete form.
 10. The concrete form spacer of claim 1, wherein the material of the spacer is selected from the group consisting of metallic, polymeric, and composite.
 11. A molded spacer to retain concrete forms in a spaced relationship to each other, comprising: (a) an elongate strap portion including an upper surface; (b) a first protrusion near a first end of the strap portion projecting laterally from the upper surface, the first protrusion including a first wall and a first ramp surface; (c) a second protrusion projecting laterally from the upper surface at an intermediate location along the strap portion, the second protrusion including a second wall and a second ramp surface; (d) wherein the strap portion, the first wall, and the second wall together form a first pocket configured to closely receive a concrete form; and (e) wherein the first ramp surface and the second ramp surface are sloped such that the concrete form is centered in the first pocket during insertion.
 12. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the first ramp surface is arcuate.
 13. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the first ramp surface is disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the first wall in a direction away from the first pocket.
 14. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the second ramp surface is arcuate.
 15. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the second ramp surface is disposed at an angle in the range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the second wall in a direction away from the first pocket.
 16. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, further comprising: a third protrusion near the second end of the strap portion projecting laterally from the upper surface, the third protrusion including a third wall and a third ramp surface; a fourth protrusion projecting laterally from the upper surface at an intermediate location along the strap portion between the second protrusion and the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion including a fourth wall and a fourth ramp surface; wherein the strap portion, the third wall, and the fourth wall together form a second pocket configured to closely receive the concrete form; and wherein the third ramp surface and the fourth ramp surface are sloped such that the concrete form is centered in the second pocket during insertion.
 17. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the strap portion includes a through hole sized to accept the insertion of a fastener configured to couple the molded concrete form spacer to a mounting surface.
 18. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the first protrusion includes a through hole sized to accept the insertion of a fastener configured to couple the concrete form to the molded concrete form spacer.
 19. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 16, wherein the third protrusion includes a through hole sized to accept the insertion of the fastener configured to couple the concrete form to the molded concrete form spacer.
 20. The molded concrete form spacer of claim 11, wherein the molded concrete form spacer is formed from a polymeric material. 